BackgroundPost-obturation pain is frustrating to both patients and dentists. Its incidence may change with the use of contemporary endodontic techniques. This randomised clinical trial aims to compare the incidence of post-obturation pain at one and seven days after single-visit and multiple-visit non-surgical endodontic treatments.MethodsPatients who required primary endodontic treatment in the two clinical trial centres in Hong Kong (HK) and in Beijing (PK) were recruited. Three HK dentists and three PK dentists performed endodontic treatments on 567 teeth using the same procedures and materials, either in a single visit or over multiple visits, using either core carrier or cold lateral condensation for obturation.ResultsThe attrition rate was 5.1 %, and a total of 538 teeth were evaluated. Among these teeth, 232 (43 %) were operated in HK, 275 (51 %) were treated in a single visit, and 234 (43 %) were treated using core carrier obturation. Logistic regression analysis showed that teeth with apical periodontitis (OR = 0.35, 95 % CI = 0.21–0.57, p < 0.01) and less pre-operative pain (OR = 1.10, 95 % CI = 1.03–1.18, p < 0.01) had lower incidences of post-obturation pain after one day. The incidences of post-obturation pain after one day for single-visit and multiple-visit treatments were 24.7 % (68 of 275) and 33.5 % (88 of 263), respectively (p = 0.50). The incidences of post-obturation pain after seven days for single-visit and multiple-visit treatments were 4.0 % (11 of 275) and 5.3 % (14 of 263), respectively (p = 0.47).ConclusionsThere was no significant difference in the incidences of post-obturation pain after one day and seven days with single-visit or multiple-visit endodontic treatments.Trial registration ChiCTR-IOR-15005989

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Objectives The current study aimed to evaluate different CBCT exposure protocols and influencing factors affecting the subjective image quality of scans taken for endodontic indications. Materials and methods Twelve extracted teeth, comprising of two sets of maxillary molars, premolars, canines and incisors, mandibular premolars, and molars, were endodontically treated, and either received a fiber or metal post. The teeth were scanned by CBCT imaging before and after root canal treatment, and after post insertion. Each scan was performed thrice, using an ultra low dose (ULD), standard (SM), and high-resolution mode (HR), respectively. Twelve observers—4 endodontists, 4 periodontists, and 4 radiologists—assessed the subjective image quality using visual analogue scales (VAS). Potential influencing factors were evaluated including acquisition mode, observer specialty, stage of treatment, type of post, and type of tooth, using one-way ANOVA and T test. Results Teeth scanned with the ULD had the highest average VAS score (72.5), followed by HR (70.2), and SM (69.0) for values pooled from all teeth and observers. CBCT acquisition mode was not a significant influencing factor on the VAS scores. Observer specialty, stage of treatment, type of post, and type of tooth were significant influencing factors. Conclusions Based on the present in vitro data, a low-dose CBCT mode seems not to negatively affect the perception of image quality. Clinical relevance The findings from this in vitro study demonstrate that a low-dose CBCT mode might have potential for diagnostics prior to or following endodontic treatment.

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